Couples

Engagement, wedding and anniversary announcements

Engagement

Manche and Thompson

Nathan Manche and Jennifer Thompson

Jennifer Thompson and Nathan Manche, both of Lincoln, Neb., announce their engagement.The future bride is the daughter of Darla Williams, Gardner. The future groom is the son of Clifford and Kristina Manche, Burrton.The couple graduated from Burrton High School in 2000. Jennifer received an associate's degree in psychology from Hutchinson Community College in 2002, and a Bachelor of General Studies in psychology with a minor in sociology from Kansas University in 2004. She plans to receive a master's degree in social work from KU in May. Jennifer is employed as a therapist at the Child Guidance Center in Lincoln.Nathan received an associate's degree in biology from Hutchinson Community College in 2002, and a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry from KU in 2004. He is employed as a chemist at Pfizer Inc. in Lincoln.The couple plan a July 7, 2007, wedding at The Eldridge Hotel in Lawrence.

Engagement

Downing and Baker

Matthew Downing and Kimberly Baker

Charles Baker and Debra Baker, and Dailen and Sherry Downing announce the engagement of their children, Kimberly Baker and Matthew Downing, all of Lawrence.The future bride graduated from Free State High School in 2004 and is pursuing a degree at Kansas University. She is employed at the Lawrence Gymnastics Academy.The future groom graduated from Lawrence High School in 2002. He owns Heartland Lawn and Landscape.The couple plan a May 2008 wedding in Lawrence.

Anniversary

Benton

Darwin and Nelda Benton will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Friday.They were married on May 25, 1947, in Burlington. They have lived in Lawrence since 1952.Darwin was employed by Stephens Real Estate until January 2007. Nelda is a homemaker and was a child-care provider for many years.Their children are Andy Benton and wife Debby, Malibu, Calif., and Dan Benton and wife Kelly, Midwest City, Okla. They have four grandchildren.

Anniversary

Rorabaugh

Jan and Dennis Rorabaugh

Dennis and Jan Rorabaugh, Lawrence, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary May 4 with a family dinner at the Union Pacific Depot in Lawrence.Dennis Rorabaugh and Janet McGregor were married May 4, 1957, in Emporia, where they attended Kansas State Teachers College.Dennis taught at Phillipsburg High School, Atchison High School and retired from Lawrence High School, where he taught mathematics for 28 years. Janet was a homemaker and worked in the food service department for Lawrence public schools. They have lived in Lawrence since 1967.Their children are Danette Umholtz, Lawrence; Diane Spearman, Tulsa, Okla.; Darren Rorabaugh, Fairbanks, Alaska; Don Rorabaugh, Carlton, Ore.; and Dale Rorabaugh, Lawrence. They have 16 grandchildren.

Wedding

Jackson and Morales

Adrianne Morales-Jackson and Wayne Jackson

Adrianne Morales and Wayne Jackson were married April 28, 2007, at South Park in Lawrence, with Jim Woelfel officiating.The bride is the daughter of Dodie and Roy Coker, Lawrence. The groom is the son of Wayne January Sr., Leavenworth, and Louise Jackson, Wichita.The maid of honor was Amanda Doleman. The best man was Wayne January Jr. Bridesmaids were Amber Ornelas and Kristal Jackson. Groomsmen were Tony Wisdom and Darrick Doleman. Flower girls were January Jackson, Morrigan Morales and Journey January. Ring bearers were Caleb and Jacob January.A reception followed at Maceli's.The couple are graduates of Lawrence High School. Adrianne graduated from the School of Cosmetology at Johnson County Community College. She is employed by The Hair Shop in Olathe.Wayne is employed at NCS in Lawrence and is a professional bodybuilder.The couple reside in Lawrence.

Wedding

Whalen and Ward

Jennifer and Craig Whalen

Jennifer Ward and Craig Whalen were married Nov. 18, 2006, at the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center in Lawrence, with the Rev. Steve Beseau officiating.The bride is the daughter of Robert and Ann Ward, Oklahoma City. The groom is the son of Richard and Jane Whalen, Lansing.The matron of honor was Christina Dinger. The best man was Richard Whalen. Bridesmaids were Jackie Albers and Mikayla Swart. Groomsmen were Andrew Ward and Travis Wilkins. The flower girl was Bonnie Sigle. The ring bearer was Tyson Wilkins.A reception was given at Steve's Place in Lawrence.Jennifer graduated from the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics in Oklahoma City. She received a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla and a Master of Business Administration from Kansas University. She is employed as a strategic buyer at Hallmark Cards Inc.Craig graduated from Lansing High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science in biology from KU. He is a substitute teacher.The couple reside in Lawrence.

Wedding

Thibodeau and Nondorf

Jacob and Samantha Thibodeau

Samantha Nondorf and Jacob Thibodeau were married Dec. 21, 2006, on the beach at the Royal Lahaina Resort in Maui, Hawaii.The bride is the daughter of Bill and Shelley Nondorf, Hoxie. The groom is the son of Joe and Sharon Thibodeau, Lawrence.A reception was given at the Hula Grill.Samantha is a 1998 graduate of Hoxie High School. She received a bachelor's degree in 2002, and a master's degree in early childhood special education in 2006, both from Kansas University. She is employed as a kindergarten special education resource teacher at Nottingham Elementary School in Eudora.Jacob is a 1995 graduate of Lawrence High School. He is pursuing a bachelor's degree in secondary history education at KU and teaches tae kwon do at KU and for the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department.A reception will be given June 23 in Lawrence.The couple reside in Lawrence.